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Questions to Ask Yourself if you Think you Have a Problem with Alcohol

According to the National Library of Medicine, many people in need of treatment for alcohol addiction have no idea they are in trouble. This may be because alcohol is socially acceptable, and perceived as a normal means of celebrating or unwinding. However, there are several questions you should ask yourself if you feel like alcohol is becoming a problem for you.

Have you Ever Regretted Something you Did While you were Drinking?

If you wake up after a night of drinking feeling guilty and ashamed about your behavior, you are exhibiting classic signs of addiction. This guilt and shame drives you to drink more, creating a never ending cycle.

Is your Drinking causing Problems at Home?

Is your significant other or children scared of you when you drink? Have they expressed concern over how much and how often you drink? If so, then you may have a problem. These are the people that love you most, and if they are worried about you, then you should take it seriously.

Do you have a Reputation as a Drinker?

Drinking as a way of escaping negative feelings is a sign of addiction.

If you are known among friends, family, and co-workers as a drunk or partier, it may be time to admit that your alcohol use has gotten out of control.

Do you Drink for a Reason such as Sadness, Guilt, or Anxiety?

If you drink to escape these negative feelings, you are only feeding them. Alcohol is a depressant, and will only further strengthen feelings of guilt, shame and anxiety, leading you to drink even more. This is a sign you are addicted.

Have you Called in Sick Because of your Drinking?

If you have called out of work because you were too drunk or hungover to do your job, then it is obvious that alcohol has become more important to you than your livelihood. This is a good indicator that you have a problem.

Have you Lost a Job because you are Drinking?

If you have lost a job for missing too much time do to alcohol, or for going to work drunk or drinking on the job, alcohol has begun to take over your sense of responsibility.

Is Drinking causing Financial Problems for you?

Do you spend more money than you can really afford to in order to support your drinking habits? This is a classic sign of addiction, and indicates that you have a problem with alcohol.

Do you Stop Caring About Others When you Drink?

If, when you drink, you lose all feeling for other people and their feelings and well-being, you have a problem. This is a sign that alcohol is taking over your life.

Have you Ever Blacked Out because of Alcohol?

If you drink to the point of blacking out, it is clear that you do not know, or care about your limits. It may also be a sign that you should seek help for alcohol addiction.

After a Night of Drinking do you want to Continue to Drink in the Morning?

If you feel like you can’t start your day without a drink, it is pretty apparent that you have a problem with alcohol. Even if you are just looking for the “hair of the dog” to get through a hangover.

Do you Crave Alcohol?

If you spend large portions of your day thinking about when you can have your next drink, it is a good indication that you have a problem with alcohol.

Have you Considered Treatment for Alcoholism?

If you have considered treatment for alcoholism, you probably have a problem with alcohol. If you suspect you have a problem you should call 800-839-1686. We can help you identify your treatment needs and help you find a program that works for you.

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